GRAMMY Award-winner and 12-time CMA Award winner, Miranda Lambert kicked off CMA Fest with her first MuttNation March on June 8th, 2017.

Miranda, along with 120 dogs and over 1000 fellow animal lovers, including Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, created a sea of pink as they marched from Nissan Stadium over the Nashville Pedestrian Bridge, and ended at Chevrolet Walk of Fame Park, where Lambert was joined onstage by Storme Warren, host of SiriusXM’s “The Highway.” The event was an effort to get more shelter pups adopted and of the 60 dogs featured at the event all went home with new forever families.

Miranda Lambert Marches for Shelter Dogs at the first MuttNation March on June 8, 2017 Photo: Metro Government

“I am so grateful that all these amazing dogs found their forever homes” said Lambert. “Marching with so many amazing fans and fellow animal lovers was really a highlight of CMA Fest for me.”

MuttNation March for Dog Adoption Phot: Metro Government

For fans who couldn’t be in Nashville for the activities, don’t fret, there is still a way to participate. Through June 19, folks can visit MuttNationFoundation.com and enter in the MuttNation Shelter Day Sweepstakes for a chance to win working with Miranda Lambert making over an animal shelter in need. Fans are rewarded at higher donation levels with a handful of unique incentives including exclusive merchandise, meet & greets and more.

Actor, Tom Hardy's beloved Labrador Dog, Woody, has died according to a report by Page Six. Hardy announced the passing of his K-9 Companion on his personal Tumbler account, in a heart felt post about his best friend. It is clear that Hardy shared a special relationship with Woody, who famously accompanied the actor on the red carpet for the premier of his movie, Legend. The Lab, who was only six years old, likely died of polymyositis which causes inflammation of muscles. RIP Woody

For most of the United States, the weather is still approaching the hottest time of the year. So it’s a great time to get outside and have some fun in the sun – and if you are lucky that means pools, beaches and travelling. Hopefully you get to bring along your four-legged best friend to add to the frolicking - but keep in mind, our fur babies have special considerations that are important for keeping them safe.Every Summer we are reminded of important steps to keep our pups cool as the temperature rises, but even more than keeping them cool we have to keep them safe around circumstances that they are not necessary familiar with. And just because dogs are natural swimmers, there are steps you need to take if you are going to have them in and around water that you might not be aware of.

Here are some of important items to think about to ensure your pup is safe as you embark on Summer fun

Pups In PoolsSome dogs will jump right into a pool with reckless abandon. However, others may be more timid and need some time to get used to the idea. Make sure you take the time to acclimate your dog to the idea of a swimming pool which can take up to two weeks. Here are some tips for making it a better experience for everyone:·Introduce your dog to the area around the pool.·Never force your dog into the pool.·Use treats to lure and encouragement to make it a fun experience.·Once your dog is comfortable around the pool, try to lure them onto the first step using a high value treat or favorite toy.·The best situation is that your dog makes the decision to come into the pool on their own·Allow them to come in and out of the pool on their own accord.·Make it FUN & cheer them on!·Once your dog is OK in the water, encourage them in further with the high value treat.·Be positive and upbeat so they think it’s a game.·Make sure you take them in and out where the steps are numerous times so they learn where the exit is.

Buddies at the BeachThere’s nothing better than the idea of taking a leisurely stroll along the beach (or running if you are that ambitious) with your dog at your side. But the beach can actually be a little overwhelming for dogs at first and can certainly be laden with some safety concerns. Here are some of the ways you can have a successful visit to the sand:

·Keep initial visits to the beach short until they get used to the sand·Pay attention to beach dog rules and follow them at all times·Keep your dog on a leash for safety and use a favorite toy or high value treat.·As soon as those paws hit the sand, deliver the treat to give them that first good impression.·Play with them and keep them busy – perhaps a game of fetch. If you don’t give them something to chase they will find something…like birds.·As always, remember to cheer them on.

Pooches On PlanesIf you happen to be flying this summer and taking your dog along for the ride, make sure to follow these travel tips before your flight:·Try to travel in the morning·No food or water four hours before departing·Multiple potty breaks before getting to the airport·Keep the dog on the floor or in a crate safely in the cabin and/or with a seat belt harness

Dogs On BoatsIf you will be heading out on the water, it’s important to treat your dog just like any other passenger on a boat. Make sure to keep these safety tips in mind:·Use a life jacket for safety, even if your dog knows how to swim·Make sure you get them to land to stretch their legs often·Have plenty of water available at all times. Fresh water, not lake or ocean water!

Canines In CarsIf you are simply taking a road trip, never ever leave your dog in a parked car. It doesn’t matter if it’s just for a few minutes or even parked in a shady area. The temperature in a car can exceed 160 degrees within minutes which is the equivalent of putting your dog in a microwave. When in doubt, leave your loveable pooch at home in the AC. Here is what you should do if you happen to see a dog in a hot car:

·Take down the car's make, model and license-plate number.·If you can, notify local business or call 311 in NYC·Monitor the dog until help arrives

Other Summer Tips

Here are some other quick reminders that will help keep your dog safe in the Summer heat.

Keep Them HydratedAlways make sure that your dog has plenty of cool, fresh water available. If your dog doesn’t stay hydrated they can suffer from heat and kidney damage along with many other health problems. Signs of dehydration:·Lethargy·Dry gums·Sunken, darkened eyes

Avoid Fleas and TicksCall your vet months before you travel to make sure you’re taking all the preventative measures against fleas and ticks. Prevention is a fraction of the cost of intervention.

Three most common diseases from ticks:·Lyme Disease·Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever·EhrlichiosisThree most common diseases from fleas·Tapeworm·Plague·HaemobartonellosisRemember, our dog is as much part of our family as anyone else and deserves the proper care and consideration. Taking them along on any outing can add to the fun unless you neglect to take the proper steps.For more information and helpful tips visitwww.greatestamericandogtrainers.com.

About Author Travis BrorsenTravis Brorsen is one of the most sought after dog trainers in America today. Travis is Founder and CEO of Greatest American Dog Trainers, and is host of the new Animal Planet show, MY FAT PET, which premiers in Fall 2017. He is a regular contributor to both Dogster.com and DogingtonPost.com.

Travis and his team of trainers at Greatest American Dog Trainers not only provide hands-on training and dog walking to their canine clients and their humans, but are also focused on helping pets become more holistically healthy, fit and happy.

In 2008, Travis and his 14-month old, highly energetic and untrained boxer, Presley, won the grueling 12 weekCBS’ national dog training competition, Greatest American Dog. As a result of the show, Travis discovered he had a passion to help other dogs and their owners create similar positive learning and relationship building experiences. Today, Travis and his Greatest American Dog Trainers team specializes in basic and advanced obedience, dog health and fitness training, as well as behavioral issues.

]]>Wed, 07 Jun 2017 20:35:27 GMThttp://www.petdishweekly.com/news/shelter-pet-project-launches-social-paws-just-in-time-to-celebrate-national-best-friend-day-june-8thFind Your Own BFF in At a Shelter Or Rescue!

June 8th is National Best Friend’s Day and if you are like me when you say BFF one thing comes to mind, my dog, Leo. He is my perfect little, lovable, loyal mate but Leo was once just one of the six to eight million dogs and cats that wind up in shelters or rescues each year.

How lucky am I to have found him, but only about half of the animals waiting for homes will ever find their own BFF. That’s why this year, to celebrate, National Best Friend’s Day, the Ad Council’s, T﻿he Shelter Pet Project,﻿ has launched their latest campaign, Social Paws, transforming real shelter pets into social media mavens in hopes that they will increase the number of pet adoptions, because everyone needs a best friend. Check out this cute video they put together to help spread the word and don’t forget to celebrate your furry, best friends tomorrow!

The Shelter Pet Project is the result of a collaborative effort between two leading animal welfare groups, The Humane Society of the United States and Maddie’s Fund, and the leading producer of public service advertising (PSA) campaigns, The Ad Council. Our goal is to make shelters the first place potential adopters turn when looking to get a new pet, ensuring that all healthy and treatable pets find loving homes. We do this by breaking down misconceptions surrounding shelter pets and communicating that “A person is the best thing to happen to a shelter pet. Be that person. Adopt.”

]]>Wed, 31 May 2017 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.petdishweekly.com/news/mariah-carey-shares-cute-pic-of-her-jack-russell-cha-chaCelebrity Dogs are just like normal dogs, right? Not if your human is Mariah Carey, who shared a snap of her and her Jack Russell Terrier, Cha Cha on Instagram yesterday. Cha Cha is clearly living large, jet setting with her Pop star human, who was in San Francisco for the weekend. It seems Cha Cha is also enjoying using the popular dog walking app, WAG! The app, coined the "Uber" for dog walkers, allows you to order up a dog walk anytime on demand! How cool is that?1

]]>Thu, 09 Feb 2017 23:44:55 GMThttp://www.petdishweekly.com/news/jane-goodall-host-latest-installment-of-pbss-shelter-meRescue Dog Vicka works to preserve African Wildlife and end the illegal ivory trade with the non-profit organization Working Dogs For Conservation (WD4C)

Legendary animal expert, Dr. Jane Goodall hosts the latest episode of the PBS docu-series, Shelter Me: Community Matters. Premiering nationally this month on PBS Shelter Me: Community Matters is the seventh episode in the series that focuses on highlighting rescue animals and the people who work with them in positive, inspiring and uplifting ways. The Shelter Me series was created by filmmaker Steven Latham who hopes to use the series as a way to break down any stigmas of public animal shelters and help people realize that shelter pets make incredible pets.

﻿“We are extremely proud to support ‘Shelter Me: Community Matters,’ said Susanne Kogut, executive director of the Petco Foundation and series presenter. “The stories in the film are examples of how communities are working together to save shelter pets and help them live their best lives.”﻿

Santa Maria, California's High School Cross Country team members take local shelter dogs for a run during their training sessions.

Shelter Me: Community Matters features three stories including, Working Dogs for Conversation (WD4C), a non-profit organization based in Montana that trains American shelter dogs for life-saving conservation work in Africa and throughout the world. Additional stories in the episode focus on, California’s STAMP Program (Sacramento Teen and Animal Membership Program), which uses community teen volunteers, ages 12-18, to help at the shelter including reading to shelter pets to help relax and comfort them while they wait to be adopted. Finally, the episode showcases the Santa Maria, California. Cross Country team that works with the local shelter incorporating dogs into their practice runs. The program not only helps the student athletes and also brings exercise and socialization to the dogs, increasing their opportunity for adoption.

To find out more about this episode and the Shelter Me series including local listing for the show or to watch previous episodes go to their website ShelterMe.tv. Be sure to follow ShelterMeTV on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

]]>Mon, 05 Dec 2016 02:50:42 GMThttp://www.petdishweekly.com/news/paw-fect-holiday-gifts-for-the-pet-lovers-on-your-listIt’s that time of year again, time to trim the tree, fill the stockings and shop for gifts galore. Not sure what to get the Pet Lovers on your list? Pet Dish, with the help of our Instagram friend, @Brie_and_leo, has come up with a list of fun gift ideas that are sure to please. So before Santa has checked his list twice check out our 2016 Gifts for the Pet Lover Holiday Guide.

Create Customized Holiday Decorations with Twistmas Lights

Twistmas Lights (Set of 6/$24.99) No doubt if you are a pet lover you probably have more than a few pictures of your favorite fur kids and now you can deck the halls with them. Twistmas Lights are the easy, DIY, kits that allow you to turn your favorite pictures into illuminated ornaments to hang on your tree. Sold individually or in sets of six Twistmas Lights bring a fun and personalized touch to your holiday decorations. Your fur kids have never looked so good. You can order Twistmas Lights via their website:www.Twistmas.com

Rumba Time (Jane Watch/ $60.00) Style isn’t the only thing you’ll be gifting when you give the animal lover on your list the elegant JaneWatch you’ll also be giving to animals in need. Rumba donates $2 of every sale of this watch to their charity partner Social Tees Animal Rescue. This New York City based rescue group saves more than 3000 dogs, cats, birds and exotic animals a year from kill shelters. Social Tees provide them with safe haven and veterinary care before finding them responsible adoptive homes. Their S.T.A.R. program finds homes for sick, injured and senior animals. The Jane Watch collection features differened colored braided band designs that reprsent a different charitable partner. To support Social Tees Animal Rescue select the elegant black and white design. Style and giving to the Furry kind among us, could there be a better gift? Shop for your Jane Watch via: Rumbatime.com

Unexpected accidents will be a thing of the past in Barkitwear's P-Suit

﻿Barkitwear P-Suits® ($42.00 -$61.50)﻿Know a dog that marks or maybe a senior dog with incontinence issues why not give their owner peace of mind this holiday season with the easy to use P-Suit® the machine washable alternative to animal diapers. Who wants to spend their holidays stressing about accidents instead use the P-Suit® it works great and even looks cute on. Gifting less stress and more joy with your animals this holiday is always a good idea. Find instructions on how to measure your dog to ensure you get a perfect fit and place your order via: www.Barkitwear.com

Soapy Tails Soap smells so good your might want to use it too!

﻿Soapy Tails Soap (Bars $8.00) ﻿Keep the dogs in your pet lover’s life smelling heavenly with grooming products from Soapy Tails. You will fall in love with their handcrafted, ultra-mild bar soap that smells so good you might catch yourself using it too. Soaps are free of parabens and synthetic ingredients and feature natural botanicals and pure essential oils. They also help keep fleas at bay. Formulas are designed for coat specifics, like Citrus Mint for short and smooth coats, or Cedar and Pink Grapefruit for long, combination coats, making sure you get the best clean for your pooch. It’s the next best thing to having Fido smell like roses. Order Soapy Tails products online via: www.soapcauldron.com

Let the world know who your furry BFF is with a beautiful Vegan Leather Friendship Collar

Friendship Collars (Sets Starting at $35.00) Gift your favorite Pet Lover a Friendship Collar set and let them show off the special bond they have with their pet. Designed as a matching collar for your pet and bracelet for you, Friendship Collar sets are a fun and stylish way to tell the world who your BFF really is. Made of the highest quality Vegan Leather and the first vegan pet product approved by PETA, Friendship Collars keep animal wellness and the ethical treatment of animals at the heart of their brand. Available in an array of colors and designs the Friendship Collar is perfect for both the men and women on your list. Shop for Friendship Collars online via: friendshipcollar.com

Secret Life of Pets Blu-Ray, DVD, Digital HD Combo ($19.99 Amazon)What do your pets do all day when you’re away? Find out in the animated movie, The Secret Life of Pets. This adorable movie from Universal Pictures is the perfect gift for pet lovers. Cozy up around the fireplace this holiday and enjoy the family, friendly movie that takes you on a whirlwind adventure with cast of your favorite pets. Celebrity voices include Kevin Hart, Luis C.K and Eric Stonetreet. The Secret Life of Pets is rated PG. Buy it now on www.amazon.com

Little wine is always divine especially when it supports a great cause.

﻿Windsor Vineyards Custom Bottle of Wine Featuring your Pet’s Photo ($12 per/bottle and up) ﻿When all else fails a great bottle of wine always pleases. Don’t just give them any bottle of wine; however, give them a customized bottle featuring a picture of their beloved pet. Napa based winery, Windsor Vineyards, the winery that specializes in custom labels, now lets you make your vino pet-tastic with their #petyourwine lables. Whether they prefer a robust red or a light white there is wine perfect for every pallet to select from. Now through Dec. 15th the company is making this gift extra special by teaming up with the internationl, nonprofit, Guiding Eyesfor their #petyourwine holiday campaign. Guiding Eyes provides guide dogs to people with vision loss. To help raise awareness and funds for the orginaztion, Windsor Vineyards will be donating, a portion of the proceeds from every customized pet bottle sold directly to the nonprofit. The winery is pledging a minimum contribution of $5,000. Orders must be placed by December 15th in order to be part of the #petyourwine campaign and ensure Christmas delivery. To create your personzlied label and order your #petyourwine bottle visit: http://www.windsorvineyards.com/pet-your-wine

Be sure to follow @Brie_and_leo for more adorable puppy pics throughout the year! From everyone at Pet Dish we wish you and your Furry Friends and Families the happiest of holidays see you in 2016!

]]>Tue, 08 Nov 2016 18:26:55 GMThttp://www.petdishweekly.com/news/pedigree-reminds-us-that-dogs-unite-us-on-this-election-day-2016America the day is here, it's time to get out and vote. No doubt many of us are glad the day is finally here. Whatever political party you stand with, Pedigree wants to remind us that it doesn't matter if you're with her, or with him, the love of dogs unite us all. In a very contentious election year perhaps this video will bring you a little hope that all is not lost after tonight's results! Happy election day everyone! #GOVOTE

]]>Fri, 04 Nov 2016 21:39:43 GMThttp://www.petdishweekly.com/news/kate-middleton-is-purr-fect-at-the-london-premiere-of-a-street-cat-named-bobThe Film Based On A True Story Opens In the US on November 18, 2016

Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, attended the London Premiere of the new film, A Street Cat Named Bob. Solo, the Duchess hit the carpet looking stunning in a white gown. She mingled with the filmmakers and also got up close and personal with the film's feline star. E! Online featured a picture of the Princess petting the cat star on their website today. Kate, who is a dog owner, looked to be at ease with the kitty who, in perfect cat form, didn't look impressed about meeting Royal.

A Street Cat Named Bob is based on the international best selling autobiographical book by, James Bowen, about how is life a as recovering drug addict is transformed when he meets a stray ginger cat. The Film will open in the US on November 18, 2016.